Middle School

Save the Castle, teacher example by Marlie Stiles.

The Essential Question
How can we alter an image to create an original narrative artwork?

Objective
Students will create a narrative artwork by altering a postcard using collage and drawing techniques.

Materials
postcards, scissors, glue sticks, magazines, permanent markers

Procedures
1. Discuss with students what it means to “alter” and “collage.” Ask students to think of a story they would like to tell through collage.
2. Explain to students that they will create a narrative artwork by altering a postcard. Have students choose one postcard from the available selection.
3. Next, students sort through magazines to search for images to incorporate into their collages. Students cut out the images and arrange them on their postcard before gluing them. Discuss how adding new elements to an existing image can alter its appearance as well as its meaning.
4. Students use permanent markers to draw in additional elements or enhance areas of their collage.

Assessment
Students write a few sentences on the back of their postcard, explaining their narrative. Optional: Students participate in a closing conversation about whether or not altered art is original art.

Marlie Stiles is an art teacher at Mill Creek Elementary in Knoxville, Tennessee.